Calls to postpone end of SEF

The PS political party has stated that they want to postpone the extinction of the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) for another six months, alleging the need to strengthen border control due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

By TPN/Lusa, in Portugal, Politics · 24 Nov 2021, 17:11 · 6 Comments

The law published in Diário da República provides for the end of SEF on January 11, 2022.

The Socialist Party bill delivered to the Assembly of the Republic postpones the extinction of this security service for another six months with the justification of the evolution of the epidemiological situation of Covid-19 in recent weeks in Portugal, which foresees “the need to reinforce border control, namely with regard to verifying compliance with the rules relating to testing”.

The diploma of November 12 determines that the current administrative powers of SEF in relation to foreign citizens will be carried out by the Portuguese Agency for Migration and Asylum (APMA), which the Government will have to create by decree-law, and by the Institute Registry and Notary (IRN), in addition to the transfer of police powers to the PSP, GNR and PJ.

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Comments

The confusion and delay in processing migrant paperwork will only get worse if SEF is disbanded. It is total political theatre to close this entity.

By Ian from Lisbon on 24 Nov 2021, 17:25

SEF never did anything anyway so who will mourn their passing. Most recent immigrants have waited over a year for registration and issue of ID cards with no acknowledgement or updates whatsoever. Rest in peace.

By Mel Kitson from Beiras on 24 Nov 2021, 20:39

Will be no loss you can't phone them they never answer the phone. If you go to there office no help at all all they said to uswas you have to phone for an appointment no use at all.
The sooner they go the faster we will get our I'd cards we have been waiting for a year now.

By Alan from Algarve on 25 Nov 2021, 18:56

I have been waiting for the new residence permit all year. I was given to understand it would be available in the New Year. I completed the application and was given my code. I printed a copy of this. I have been waiting in vain ever since. Last time I heard from SEF was 8 March by email and was told I would be contacted to make an appointment to collect the biometric data needed soon. I thought "soon" meant in the next few weeks or at least in the next month. We are now eight months later.

By Steve Andrews from Other on 26 Nov 2021, 14:15

Reform and reorganization instead of extinction is the rational approach for the SEF but, unfortunately, it appears that reason and rational thinking are absent from the minds of the current Portuguese government!

By Tony Fernandes from Other on 27 Nov 2021, 12:58

My mother passed away waiting for her residence approval for 12 months! Initial visit could have been completed on the spot for having my self an old birth certificate inadequate to prove she’s my mother! She’s in a wheel chair and is 94 years old with the same last name!
Get rid of these inhuman incompetent bureaucrats who don’t have compassion nor in need to do a professional job!
I’ll celebrate in January 2022!

By Jean from Lisbon on 27 Nov 2021, 21:46